Sara Torpey • September 11, 2024

Essential Business Lessons from 2024


Essential Business Lessons from 2024 (so far!): Embracing Fear, Asking for Help, and More

In this episode of Uncomplicating Business for Teachers, Helpers, and Givers, we are talking all about my most important business lessons learned so far in 2024. This episode is filled to the brim with practical advice on navigating business challenges and personal growth. If you’re looking to enhance your business strategies and personal development, you’re in the right place.


To listen to this content rather than read it, you can click play in the player above or listen on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite platform!)


Or watch on YouTube here.

Lesson 1: Embrace the Scary Room

THE most profound lesson of 2024 for me, so far, is the importance of stepping into the "scary room". We both know that surrounding yourself with people and environments that challenge and stretch you beyond your comfort zone is VITAL to business growth and success… but it’s also easy to find a group you love and get super comfortable. Whether it’s joining a new networking group or engaging with individuals who are further ahead in their careers, these experiences of stepping into new and maybe scary are incredibly valuable.


Putting yourself in situations that feel intimidating, opens the door to new opportunities, connections, and growth. It’s easy to stay within a familiar circle, but real progress often comes from interacting with those who push you to think differently and reach higher. 


Ask yourself: Are you currently in a room that challenges you, or are you playing it too safe? 


  • What would it look like to step into a new room?
  • What kind of room would be challenging in a good way?


Stepping into the scary room could be the key to unlocking your next big breakthrough.

Lesson 2: The Power of Asking for Help

Asking for help is advice we all like to GIVE all of the time…and also not take . Many of us, especially those who are service-oriented or in teaching roles, are amazing at offering help but struggle to ask for it (and by ‘struggle’ I mean ‘avoid like the plague’). But if we really want to speed up growth and reach goals WITH our sanity intact? Learning to ask for what you need—whether it’s support with a project, feedback on an idea, or even just some time for yourself—is essential.


Ask yourself: What do I need and want right now, and how can I ask for help so that I can get those things faster and with less work? 


Whether it’s reaching out to colleagues, mentors, or even family members, asking for assistance ALWAYS makes a difference. 

Lesson 3: The Importance of Saying No

Saying no is a lesson that many of us find challenging to say the least. So often saying ‘no’ feels like closing a door to potential opportunities or disappointing others. But really? Setting boundaries and being selective about where you invest your time and energy is crucial for actually having focus and working effectively in your business.


And - sometimes there is a bonus to saying no. Sometimes saying no to commitments or opportunities can lead to unexpected benefits. Protecting your time and aiming to do work that actively aligns with your goals creates space for more meaningful and productive opportunities. 


Ask yourself: What are the projects, meetings, or requests that are stretching you too thin? Where is it time to let go and say no?

Lesson 4: Letting the Timeline Be the Timeline

Finally, one of my most important reminders for 2024 so far is the importance of accepting the timeline of my life and business as it is. In a world where we often feel pressured to achieve everything immediately, it really does make a huge difference in how we feel and respond to change when we recognize that success unfolds at its own pace.


For me, truly understanding that none of us - not me, not you - can be late for our own success is FREEING. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things take longer to materialize than we’d like - it is what it is. Allowing this to be true helps to bring down stress levels AND help you focus on what you CAN actually control. And as we embrace our timelines, we can recognize that progress is still being made, even if it doesn’t align with our initial expectations. This mindset shift allows you to add energy to your efforts without battling against the clock.


Ask yourself: what’s my actual timeline right now? What is in my control to change, and what can I allow to be what it is?

Opportunities

Here are two upcoming opportunities for further growth:


  1. Small Group Coaching: Join the Uncomplicating Success small group coaching program to simplify and clarify your business strategies. With a maximum of four participants, this coaching provides personalized support and fosters a strong sense of community. Learn more here.
  2. Offer Hours: On September 23, 2024, join us for the inaugural Offer Hours. This 90-minute Zoom session will guide you through making and presenting offers, with a focus on accountability and actionable results. Join here!



For more information on these opportunities, click the links, join us in UNComplicating Business for Teachers, Helpers and Givers on FB, or email me at sara@torpeycoaching.com with questions!

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